December has been marred by episodes of gun violence in New York's capital city. Albany continues its struggle to "take back the streets" following a series of shootings including three gun-related murders since December 5th.

Despite leaders’ best efforts to get guns out of circulation, they continue to proliferate.

What was intended to be a press conference about a report on African Americans and community policing turned racially divisive as it morphed into a forum of heavy criticism of the Albany County District Attorney.

Occupy Albany comes out of hibernation tomorrow - the group is urging citizens to “come out to show support at two separate hearings for activists who were arrested locally for engaging in civil disobedience in furtherance of social justice."

Occupy Albany has been monitoring the legal battle that has County District Attorney David Soares at odds with City Court Judge William Carter. Attorneys for both officials are scheduled to appear in state Supreme Court Friday morning before acting State Supreme Court Justice Richard Platkin.

Following a pair of ethics scandals that have gripped Albany, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is pushing his plans for ending government corruption. Part of Cuomo’s reform package includes ending the practice of cross-endorsing candidates, but Albany County District Attorney David Soares says passing laws without funding to fight corruption won’t work.

Albany County District Attorney David Soares is the guest on WAMC's Capitol Connection program this week. He spoke with WAMC's Alan Chartock about several issues, including guns and the murky Albany mayoral race.

Soares says he supports firearm reforms that would require universal background checks and mandatory registration when large amounts of ammunition are purchased online. Soares, a Democrat recently reelected to a third term, says he believes the National Rifle Association is attempting to mislead the American people during a critical time in the national debate.